Sep. 25, 1958 - Jul. 8, 2025
Date of Service: Jul. 22, 2025
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Service Program
BURLEY – Kelly Wayne Jenks tragically passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in his home, just moments before his beloved wife, Donna.
He was born on September 25, 1958, to David Wayne Jenks and Clara Louise Korb Jenks in Burley, Idaho. Kelly was the third oldest of five siblings. He attended schools in Burley, Twin Falls, and Annis, Idaho, and spent much of his youth helping his family pick berries in the fields of Oregon. Kelly also worked various jobs, including moving hay and irrigation pipes, before joining the City of Burley Water Department. He dedicated 36 years of service there until his retirement.
In 1979, Kelly met the love of his life, Donna Smith. Their connection was instant, and they quickly realized how many things they had in common. Both loved fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends. They shared a special fondness for the Oregon coast, where they created lasting memories. Together, they enjoyed gardening and canning, and their salsa and grape jelly became favorites among friends and family. Kelly, a skilled cook, took great joy in preparing meals for those he loved.
In 1993, Kelly and Donna welcomed their beloved daughter, Jerica Lynn, into their family. She was the light of their lives, and Kelly and Donna raised her with a deep love for the outdoors—teaching her to hunt, fish, and camp. Their love for the ocean was something they passed on to Jerica and her husband, Alex, and many cherished trips to the Oregon coast followed.
Kelly’s greatest joy came on March 21, 2024, when his long-awaited granddaughter, Adalee Lynn Harper, was born. Adalee brought immeasurable happiness to Kelly and Donna, completing their family in ways they had always dreamed.
Kelly is survived by his daughter, Jerica (Alex) Harper; granddaughter, Adalee Lynn; his sisters, Vickie (Les) Merle and Terrie Beckman; his brothers, Dwayne (Kim) Jenks and Roger (Wendy) DeSpain; his stepsister Denise (Kelly) Sanders; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Clara; stepfather, Rolin DeSpain; and his grandparents, Jenks and Korb.
A joint funeral for Kelly and his wife, Donna, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, July 21, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/Y2wx62l4n9o.
